Quick Answer
The answer is Azure Files with SMB 3.0 and encryption, along with HTTPS. These two methods are correct because they encrypt data while it travels between clients and Azure Storage, ensuring confidentiality during transit. SMB 3.0 provides end-to-end encryption for file shares, while HTTPS secures REST API calls to Blob, Queue, and Table storage. On the DP-203 exam, this question tests your ability to distinguish between encryption at rest and in transit, a common trap where candidates confuse Storage Service Encryption (SSE) or Azure Disk Encryption with transit security. Remember, SSE encrypts data at rest on disk, and Disk Encryption protects VM disks, not network traffic. For a quick memory tip: think "SMB and HTTPS keep data safe on the wire," while SSE and Disk Encryption guard it on the disk.
This DP-203 practice question tests your understanding of secure, monitor, and optimize data storage and data processing. Match the stated requirement to the specific cloud service, access model, or configuration option — many options are valid in isolation but not for this scenario. After answering, compare your reasoning against the explanation and wrong-answer breakdown below. Once you have made your selection, read the full explanation to reinforce the concept and understand why each distractor is designed to mislead on exam day.
You need to secure access to an Azure Storage account that hosts sensitive data. Which TWO methods provide encryption in transit?
Enable Azure Storage Service Encryption (SSE)
Why wrong: SSE encrypts data at rest.
Enforce HTTPS for REST API calls
HTTPS encrypts data in transit.
Use Azure Files with SMB 3.0 and encryption
SMB 3.0 encrypts data in transit.
Enable Azure Disk Encryption on client VMs
Why wrong: Encrypts disks, not network traffic.
Configure an IPsec policy between clients and storage
Why wrong: Not supported for Azure Storage.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
Enforce HTTPS for REST API calls
HTTPS and SMB over encryption ensure data is encrypted in transit. Option C (SSE) is at rest. Option D (Azure Disk Encryption) is for VMs. Option E (IPSec) is not supported by Azure Storage directly.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
Enable Azure Storage Service Encryption (SSE)
Why it's wrong here
SSE encrypts data at rest.
Enforce HTTPS for REST API calls
Why this is correct
HTTPS encrypts data in transit.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Use Azure Files with SMB 3.0 and encryption
Why this is correct
SMB 3.0 encrypts data in transit.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Enable Azure Disk Encryption on client VMs
Why it's wrong here
Encrypts disks, not network traffic.
Configure an IPsec policy between clients and storage
Why it's wrong here
Not supported for Azure Storage.
Common exam traps
Many certification questions include familiar terms but test a specific constraint. Read the exact wording before choosing an answer that is generally true but wrong for this case.
Detailed technical explanation
This question should be treated as a scenario, not a definition check. Identify the problem, the constraint and the best action. Then compare each option against those facts.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
A media company stores terabytes of video archives that are accessed once a year for audit purposes. Moving these objects to a cold storage tier (Azure Archive, S3 Glacier, or Google Nearline) costs a fraction of hot storage. Questions like this test whether you understand storage tiers, access frequency tradeoffs, and retrieval latency requirements.
What to study next
Identify which DP-203 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
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FAQ
Secure, monitor, and optimize data storage and data processing — This question tests Secure, monitor, and optimize data storage and data processing — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: Enforce HTTPS for REST API calls — HTTPS and SMB over encryption ensure data is encrypted in transit. Option C (SSE) is at rest. Option D (Azure Disk Encryption) is for VMs. Option E (IPSec) is not supported by Azure Storage directly.
Identify which DP-203 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Last reviewed: Jun 21, 2026
This DP-203 practice question is part of Courseiva's free Microsoft certification practice question bank. Courseiva provides original exam-style practice questions with explanations, topic-based practice, mock exams, readiness tracking, and study analytics to help learners prepare for the DP-203 exam.
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